At Cherry Avenue, Yankee Fans Unite

For a goodbye-video dedicated to the retiring Derek Jeter

Filled with personal anecdotes of greatest Jeter moments and reasons why he is a role model, a student-made video was filmed at Cherry Avenue as a goodbye testimonial to their Favorite Yankee of all time—the retiring Captain, Derek Jeter.  Cherry Avenue Principal, Dr.  Lisa Ihne—a die-hard Yankees fan—enlisted fellow Yankees fans from the students, faculty, and district to assemble a video that would bid their favorite Yankee adieu in his final year.

It was an exciting way for the elementary students to practice public speaking, clear enunciation, and poise before a video camera about a subject that was near and dear to their hearts. They also engaged in research, letter writing, and worked on the format/logistics for the entire project. Select Fourth Graders, Michael Argenziano, Connor Cameron, Jack Corcoran, Joseph Kolczniski, Tommy Marino, and Chad Moccio, prepared questions for invited Yankee fans, including YES Network, News12 Long Island Sports Anchor Mr. Kevin Maher, Ms. Geraldine Batterberry, Ms. Jeanette Georges, Ms. Nicole Teufel, Ms. Virginia Vertucci, and Special Education Director, Mr. Peter Branscombe. Insightful questions prompted thoughtful answers from the interviewees.

In addition, manning the video camera like a pro was Sayville High School Sophomore, Sean McNally. Sean was selected by Sayville High School technology teacher Rick Caskey for this assignment, which included taping and editing the video that was sent to Derek Jeter.

Among the invited guests who watched the production in action were Mr. Matthew McCartin, Mr. Michael Schmitt, fourth-grade classmates, district staff, and the McNallys (Sean's parents).

The impressive results of this exciting project can be viewed in Sean McNally's YouTube production (see YouTube video below) as well as the YES Network's Yankee Magazine coverage of the Cherry Avenue Project [click on the link at the bottom of the page].